Product Description

42" PDP HDTV, 1024 x 768 Resolution, 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 1,500:1 cd/m2 Brightness, ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM - 1 Tuner, SRS TruSurroundXT, 3 HDMI input. USB 2.0.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #47043 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Gloss Black
• Brand: LG
• Model: 42PG20
• Dimensions: 26.70" h x 40.90" w x 3.40" l, 53.70 pounds
• Display size: 42

Features

• Plasma HDTV features Clear Voice technology which enhances dialogue sound quality with swivel stand and energy Star rated
• 720p Full HD resolution 1365 x 768p with 3x HDMI v 1.3 digital inputs with swivel stand
• Invisible speaker system for richer more balanced sound & a polished look
• LG Simplink allows for convenient control of other LG products using HDMI connection
• 1,000,000:1 Dynamic contrast ratio (20,000:1 native)

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer PG20 HDTVs complement virtually any decor. They are uncommonly slim and built with a unique single-layer design that virtually eliminates unsightly speaker grills. The result is a sleek plasma HDTV that sits comfortably in any room.

Key Features

• 720p HD Resolution
• XD Engine
• 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
• Fluid Motion
• 3x HDMI V.1.3 with Deep Color
• AV Mode (Cinema, Sports, Game)
• Clear Voice
• LG SimpLink Connectivity
• Invisible Speaker System
• 100,000 Hours to Half Brightness (Typical)
• PC Input

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AV Mode

The AV Mode optimizes the picture into Cinema, Sports, and game Mode according to the video and audio content. The viewer has the ability to quickly choose the correct mode for the picture they are viewing.

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Fluid Motion (180 Hz Effect)

Enjoy smoother, clearer motion with all types of programming such as sports and action movies. The moving picture resolution give the impression of performance of up to 3x the panels actual refresh rate.

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Fine-Tuned Natural Sound

LG’s 2008 line of TVs include a unique invisible speaker system, tuned by renowned audio expert, Mr. Mark Levinson. Speakers are embedded in strategic spots behind the front cabinet and use minute vibrations to turn the entire front bezel into the speaker system. The result is a clean, polished look, and enhanced audio by increasing the “sweet spot”, giving a wider and richer sound field. Clear Voice Technology automatically enhances and amplifies the sound of human voice frequency range to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells.

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LG SimpLink
Allows for convenient control of other LG SimpLink products using the existing HDMI connection.

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Product Specifications

PLASMA DISPLAY PANEL
Native Display Resolution: 1024 x 768p
Brightness (cd/m2): 1,500
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
Native Contrast Ratio: 20,000:1
ISM (Image Sticking Minimization): 3 Modes
Non-Reflective Black Matrix Structure
Fluid Motion 180Hz Effect
Pure Black Level
Altitude 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Life Span (Typical): 100,000 hours

BROADCASTING SYSTEM
Analog
ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM

VIDEO
XD Engine
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Aspect Ratio Correction: 6 Modes
Just Scan (1:1 Pixel Matching) 0% OverScan
- HDMI 1080p/1080i/720p
- Component 1080p/1080i/720p
- RF 1080i/720p
Enhanced Line Doubler
Enhanced Noise Reduction (Video Noise Filter; 3D & MPEG)
Color Temperature Control 4 Modes
Black Stretcher (Black Level Enhancer)
3:2 Pulldown
Picture Reset
AV Mode (Picture & Sound): 3 Modes
Picture Selection Mode: 7 Modes
DTV Signal Strength Indicator

AUDIO
Mono/Stereo/Dual (MTS/SAP)
Audio Outout Power (Watts - THD 10%): 10W + 10W
Speaker System Details 1 Way 2 System (Invisible Speaker)
Dolby Digital Decoder
Surround System Type SRS TruSurround XT
Bass/Treble/Balance Controls
Auto Volume Leveler
Sound Mode: 5 Modes
Mute

SPECIAL FEATURES
1080P Source Input
- HDMI 60p/30p/24p
- Component 60p/30p/24p
- RGB 60p
A/V Input Navigation
Auto Navigation
Input Labeling
Quick View (Previous Channel)
Clear Voice (On/Off)
Quick Setup Guide
Parental Control w/V-Chip
Key Lock
Closed Caption
LG SimpLink (HDMI CEC)
Trilingual Menus English/French/Spanish
EZ Menus (High Performance Interface)
Channel Add/Delete
Favorite Channel
Auto Clock
Manual Clock
On/Off Timer
Sleep Timer
Auto Off (When no video is present)

SIDE AUDIO/VIDEO INPUTS/OUTPUTS
L/R Audio/Composite Video In 1
HDMI/HDCP In 1
USB 2.0 1 (Service Only)
REAR AUDIO/VIDEO INPUTS/OUTPUTS
RF In (Antenna/Cable) 1
L/R Audio/Component Video In 1
S-Video In 1
HD Component Video In (Y,Pb,Pr) + L/R Audio 2
Digital Audio Out 1 (Optical)
HDMI/HDCP Input 2 (V.1.3 with Deep Color)
RGB In (D-Sub 15pin) - PC 1
PC Audio Input 1
RS-232c In (Control/Service) 1
Remote Control In (IR) 1

CABINET/ACCESSORIES
Cabinet Style One Piece
Cabinet Color Glossy Piano-black
Remote Control Type Universal
Stand Fixed
VESA Compatible (W x H) 400mm x 400mm

POWER
Consumption (Typical) n/a
Stand-by Consumption <1W
Energy Star Compliant

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions w/out stand (W x H x D) 40.9” x 26.7” x 3.4”
Weight w/out stand 53.7 lbs
Dimensions w/stand (W x H x D) 40.9” x 28.8” x 12.1”
Weight w/stand 58.2 lbs
Dimensions w/packaging (W x H x D) 52.4” x 30.4” x 10.1”
Weight in package 69.7 lbs

Limited Warranty 1 Year Parts & Labor/ 2 Years Panel

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Customer Reviews

The LG 42PG20 Plasma has exceeded my expectations!
I have owned several HDTV's both Plasma and LCD. I wanted to stick with a plasma on this purchase because of the superior contrast ratio versus a typical LCD. I went to my local electronics store intent on buying an entry level Samsung A450. Despite my plan, I soon realized I could not pull the lever on the Samsung. Its picture suffered from severe jagged edges and presented an inferior image quality compared to the TV's surrounding it on the showroom floor. No manner of adjustments could resolve the problem, therefore I moved on to the similarly priced Panasonic and LG. I immediately noticed that the Panasonic had issues with background noise. This was despite the fact that the noise reduction feature was already turned on. The CNET editor review mentions this problem with the Panasonic plasma. Meanwhile I was impressed with the LG's smooth, clear, and lifelike picture. No background noise, and a deep rich color reproduction equal to that of the Panasonic. I decided to do some more research on LG reliablity and performance before making my final decision. As you would expect, it is easy to locate horror stories for any television brand, as of course people with a bad experience are more likely to post their sob story all over the web. The bottom line for myself was that a Consumer Review said that LG has a similar reliability record compared to other major brands, with only 2% or fewer models suffering from defects within their first year. That was sufficient evidence for myself while also taking in to account the 1 year parts & labor warranty (plus 2 years for the panel) provided by LG. I waited for a blowout sale, and then purchased the 42PG20. The first one arrived with a broken screen. Of course Plasma screens are glass unlike LCD's so they are more easily damaged in shipment. I refused shipment and soon thereafter received a replacement which arrived undamaged. Out of the box the LG is one slick & sweet looking plasma. Unlike some people, I prefer the high gloss piano black screen border. Its sleek and more upscale in appearance. I have HDTV running via an HDMI 1.3 cable. The picture is even better than it was in the store. Despite a low 1024x768 resolution, the HD reproduction is detailed and crisp. I was expecting to sacrifice a bit in this area, and am simply ecstatic that the difference between this TV and my previous 1080p is simply insignificant. As you would expect with a plasma, the colors are deep and rich. Unlike many LCD's, sports broadcasts suffer no ghosting or pixelation. SD broadcasts look great as well, with certain channels looking better after switching to cinema mode or one of the other customized picture settings. I have the LG TV ORBITER feature set to the ON position. A nice feature available to prevent image retention or burn in which can be an issue with plasma televisions. So far, this has not been an issue. I will mention a couple of minor negatives. This LG does suffer from severe glare if operated in a brightly lit room. As is the case with many plasmas, the glass screen reflects the bright windows in my living room. Thus, it will do better in a dark room or positioned with windows behind rather than in front of the TV. Also, this plasma runs HOT. It actually raises the temperature in my living room if run for a few hours. If I put my hand over the set, I can feel the heat rising from it. From what I've read, this is common with plasma TV's in general. Overall, I am VERY happy with the LG 42PG20. A great Plasma television, providing a fantastic HD picture while outperforming many of the other brands in this price range.


UPDATE - Its been a couple of years, so I recently purchased the Samsung B450 Plasma and find it to be even better than this LG. See my review for details.

Great Plasma and Better Than Expected
After the price dropped on this T.V. I decided to buy.
Wary of plasmas I still loved the high contrast ratio that this one delivered. I had the choice between this and a similar samsung and definately could see that this Lg model gave the better picture. 720p? they could have fooled me because the crispness of picture quality is terrific, one thing I was wary of with this being a 42" model.
The Darks are dark, the whites are white, and the colors are vibrant.
I keep mine set on cinema style settings and love it.
The sound is better than most flat panels and the speakers are hidden.
I like the high gloss finish, makes it look sleek.
Ghosting is minimal on this model and if you do experience some ghosting they supply different ISM methods to basically prevent or actually one called white wash which basically resets your picture. I play a lot of Xbox 360 so I was worried about the ghosting but it is not really a problem. I recently paired this with LG's LHT854 home theatre system (about $220) and am enjoying a high quality home theatre setup for a decent price.
So everyone considering picking up this T.V. I say Enjoy!

great entry level 42" display
I recently purchased this model on a black-Friday special for a great price.

Pros:
Compared to other units in the same price range, up-scaling from SD cable is excellent as is broadcast HD. Blacks are great, contrast is great, no remorse.

To correct the previous reviewer 1024x768 is only the PC display mode, in TV modes it displays full 720p. I did an in-store comparison with the Samsung PN42A450 and I could not make it look this good.

Cons:
In 4:3 mode the borders are gray instead of black. Start-up and Channel select are a bit slower than some competing models. PC input does not provide full 720p resolution.